Evaluation of special small group experiences. Pre- and post-testing on College and University Environment Scales show differences in neither desired or expected direction. Indicates need for reexamination orientation programs. (CJ)

Low socially accepted learning-disabled intermediate-grade students (N=86) were paired with 86 high socially accepted, nonhandicapped classmates for 8 weeks in 4 groups: mutual interest group, cooperative academic task group, Hawthorne effect/control group, and classroom control group. Evaluated were changes in classmates' ratings of…

Describes how an elementary teacher encouraged her students to read novels using cooperative group activities based on popular television shows. Students divided into groups, took different roles, read a novel, and made a presentation to the class. When they finished the novel, they selected a new activity. (SM)

As higher education accreditation agencies emphasize achievement of general education learning goals for undergraduate students, departments are increasingly required to identify and assess the contributions of their disciplines to achievement of these goals. This exploratory study conducted at a large urban university and its satellite campus…

In this study we created an environment for peer learning, where students teach students by making oral presentations in groups about solving mathematical problems and explaining the theoretical background in mathematics, during the first year of an undergraduate engineering programme at the Norrkoping campus of the Linkoping University. In order…

The benefits of online collaborative learning, sometimes referred to as CSCL (computer-supported collaborative learning) are compelling, but many instructors are loath to experiment with non-conventional methods of teaching and learning because of the perceived problems. This paper reviews the existing literature to present the seven most commonly…

A study examined the curricular event in Swedish preschools known as "circle time," a daily event in most schools during which children, teachers, and sometimes parents gather in a circle for 20-30 minutes and share songs, discussion, music, storytelling, and group play. A special theme, such as the environment or a holiday, may also be…

Discusses several methods the author uses to overcome students' negative attitudes about working in small groups. Discusses preliminary activities (including a class discussion and direct instruction). Describes the group assignment, including a general overview, specifics of the assignment, and ways to overcome common group work problems. (SR)

Examined the effectiveness of 6th and 7th graders' cooperative learning groups, recording student work sessions and conducting student interviews and self-evaluations. When working cooperatively, students required some unstructured time to organize themselves and learn to work together toward a mutual goal. Students liked this type of learning…

High school technology education students were assigned to groups with either a cooperative-competitive (n=65) or cooperative-cooperative (n=64) goal structure. All cooperative-cooperative groups had to achieve a certain level for groups to get a top score. Students in the cooperative-cooperative environment had more positive attitudes and…

We report the use of a combination of self- and peer-assessment in an undergraduate social psychology laboratory course. Students worked in small groups on a self-directed empirical project that they each wrote up independently as a laboratory report. Marks for the written assignment were moderated by a contribution index measure based on the…

Assessed effectiveness of classroom team activities in eliciting more favorable attitudinal outcomes with a sample of 215 undergraduate business administration majors enrolled in an introductory COBOL programing course. The findings provide support for incorporating team activities into the programing learning process to develop positive…

The effects of cooperative learning on attitudes of students toward laboratory work were studied with ninth-grade biology students in Nigeria. It was found to be successful in developing favorable attitudes. Reasons for this are discussed. (MNS)

A peer-tutoring project in undergraduate mathematics at a university in the United Kingdom was designed both to provide support for independent learning tasks and for group projects. A survey of students found that while most liked and felt they benefited from the group experience, most also did not like the independent learning tasks. (Author/MSE)

Explores students' opinions, over a three-year period, of human service education. Surveyed 172 students enrolled in an introductory human services courses. Results indicate that students were overwhelmingly positive about their experiences with cooperative learning and the increased attention offered by small groups. Many appreciated the…